On the occasion of World Environment Day, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu took part in the Van Mahotsav event at Ananthavaram village alongside Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan. As part of the celebration, he planted saplings, interacted with school children, and reviewed eco-friendly exhibits. While the event aimed to promote the expansion of the state’s forest cover from 39% to 50%, one statement from the Chief Minister raised eyebrows.
During his address, CM Chandrababu Naidu paid tribute to the late Padma Shri awardee Daripalli Ramayya—fondly remembered as “Vanajeevi” or “The Forest Man”. Praising Ramayya’s lifelong commitment to planting over one crore trees, Naidu stated, “Ramayya often visited me to share his work. He drew inspiration from our government’s green initiatives. In fact, he once told me he was motivated by the programs we introduced to increase greenery.” The CM’s remark subtly suggested that he, and by extension, his governance, had been an inspiration for Ramayya’s environmental efforts.
However, the statement has ignited a wave of debate. Environmentalists and local admirers of Ramayya were quick to point out that the Forest Man’s journey began long before the recent waves of afforestation drives. Born and raised in Reddypally village of Khammam district, Ramayya was inspired during his school days after learning about the benefits of trees in a textbook. Since then, he began a tireless journey—planting trees on roadsides, in temple premises, on barren lands, and anywhere he could find space. He even gave up most of his 40-gunta land for growing saplings and made a living selling milk and pots, all while collecting seeds and distributing them freely.
Ramayya, who passed away on April 12, 2025, was a recipient of multiple awards including the Padma Shri (2017), Vanamitra Award (2005), Vanaseva Award (1995), and an honorary doctorate. He remained a humble grassroots environmentalist until his last breath—never chasing credit, always focused on the mission.
పద్మశ్రీ వనజీవి రామయ్య ప్రతి నా దగ్గరకు వచ్చి ఎన్ని మొక్కలు నాటారో రిపోర్ట్ చేసేవాడు
— Telugu Feed (@Telugufeedsite) June 5, 2025
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